Newman Grove man pleads guilty to assault in death

It is pretty bad when you can beat someone so bad that they die as a result. It is sad that this kid got picked up earlier and had alcohol in the vehicle and was sent home.I don't understand how the justice system works when money buys your way out of it.This was obviously planned he knew what he was doing and is going to get away with what he did. It is also sad when people who commit small crimes are getting way stiffer punishments.Where is the justice in this state.My condolances to all the family.

"Smith said Becher was on the ground outside for hours before help was called. Becher had no pulse when rescue personnel arrived."

And no one at the party called for help? If they had, Becher would probably be alive to press charges for assault. I don't know the whole story like angry relative does, but evidently the other people at the party didn't think enough of him to try to help.

You couldn't ask for a better guy than Rick. If you needed help with anything, he was right there. He "NEVER" judged a book by the cover, he didn't care who you were.
It's just sad that the other parties have $$ to buy this off.
To the Becher family & friends, stay strong-there will be justice.

Oh, yes...there were minors that could have called for help because they were outside watching the whole thing. But, they were thinking about themselves and about how they didn't want to get into trouble with MIP's had the cops showed up. So, because of their selfishness, my friend is dead.

I am very sorry for this family who lost their loved one over a senceless act. My prayers are with you. Hopefully justice is served for this.

I know the Nygren family. They are good, hardworking, caring people. I don't know where Angry Relative and Went to School w Rick got the idea that they bought Luke's way out of this. Even if they had money (which they don't), you can't "buy" your way out of legal trouble in the US (unless you're a celebrity, of course). Are you suggesting the judge or the county attorney was paid off???

The family hired a local attorney who worked with the county attorney on a plea agreement. Obviously, there are mitigating factors in this case and the county attorney knows Luke shouldn't and couldn't be convicted of murder.

And by the way, Rick was no where near the saint some of you people are making him out to be. It's funny how some people acquire a halo only after their death.

I don't know any of the people involved. But, whether someone is a saint, or not, does that justify the fact that he is dead because of a stupid fight???
I think not.

To shakes:

No one said that Rikki was a "saint"! Everyone has flaws. But as a friend, he was one of a kind!

Stop trying to turn this around on Rikki. People say hurtful things to others all the time but they don't deserve DEATH!!!! ):

I believe there is only one person we answer to...and that is our maker!!!

Sara,

I agree with shakes, for the most part, in the body of his post. He made one point in closing, to which you thought a response was necessary. That statement was not derogatory. Perhaps you'd like to comment on the rest of his post?

It's very sad when anyone dies before their time. My thoughts go out to the family.

Klem

I don't know the facts regarding the rest of "shakes" post. Therefore, I did not comment. I spoke of what I DID NOT agree with!!!

I was just trying to clarify that no one claimed that Rikki was a saint! ):

Sara, I'm not trying to turn this around on Rikki. I'm simply defending the Nygren family, the Madison County attorney and the judge from the libel done by Angry Relative and Went to School.

There's a lesson in this for all of us. When we act out in anger, we often regret the things we say and do. Fortunately for Angry Relative and Went to School, they avoid the consequences of their crime by the anonymity of this forum.

Angry Relative and Went to School are to far off. Shakes and Klem, you both know it. Yes, the Nygrens ARE good people. So are the mother's side of the family. I DO know because I went to school with both Rikki and Dean. NONE OF US WERE ANGELS or SAINTS. Still, no excuse for what happened at the party and the "negotiated" plea agreement. Money CAN buy your way out of things, believe it or not. And for all that were at the party, I'll say a prayer for you. I am not sure how you can live with your selfish selves. Fight @ 2:30 - police call at 5:15 am and a car was moved in between. You who were there should be ashamed. Kathryn, Shorty and Rockey, you have my continued prayers.

And one more thing for Shakes - mitigating circumstances. Are you referring to the stomach contents in Rikki's lungs? How many people have you seen in your life that gets nauseous when they have a head injury / concussion? Hmmm--I have seen many. No nauseousness, no contents in Rikki's lungs, Rikki may still be here. Justice should be served with the sentence, and NOT the minimum. And plese, I am only referring to what has been in the Columbus, Norfolkf and Newnam Grove papers. If the news stories are accurate, justice still has not been served.

Especially when the stomach contents are pure alcohol......
Plus, I heard there was more than one fight between the two that night. Sounds like Rikki was following around a kid all night long, trying to pick on him. Wow he sounds like a GREAT person!

rickki was the best friend anyone could have. what happened that morning should never happened. why didnt anyone try to stop this?if anyone should kick rickkis butt it should be me this man was a great friend and always will be.